Humanitarian Organizations in Peace-Building in the Aftermath of 2007-2008 Post Election Violence (PEV) in Kenya: The Case of Kenya Red Cross Society

The humanitarian sector in Kenya is vibrant, innovative and dynamic. Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) is one of the leading humanitarian organizations in Kenya. The majority of the Kenya population and firms have little or no faith with the government response in delivering humanitarian assistance. Therefore, humanitarian organizations such as the KRCS have gained positive response in their humanitarian work. KRCS has partnered with other organizations in different humanitarian crises. This research paper examined the role that Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) played in peace building in the aftermath of 2007/2008 post-election violence. The complexity of post-election violence can be understood by examining the brief background on what ignited the post-election violence. It examined KRCS involvement in the provision of humanitarian aid in order to prevent and alleviate human suffering during and after the post-election violence. It also examined KRCS involvement in trauma work to ensure that victims of post-election violence had effective psychological support that guided them in the healing process. The paper highlighted ICRC’s history connecting it to KRCS and its global and state perspective of humanitarian aid activities and trauma work. The researcher used questionnaires which were distributed to the target population. The findings revealed that KRCS response time was effective and sufficient in provision of humanitarian aid in spite of the different challenges they faced. Notably, some respondents expressed their dissatisfaction in relation to working for or collaborating with the KRCS. As part of their recommendations, respondents urged the KRCS to involve more community members and organizations in their work. In conclusion KRCS applied its principles in carrying out humanitarian work.